The next great event in Bible prophecy is not the Rapture or Tribulation. It is the Second of the Four Signposts – Iran's great invasion of the Middle East. Are you watching? Are you preparing? Are you telling your brothers and sisters, pastors and elders?

Be Alert: Possible Second Signpost Trigger In The Works

The Bible tells us the next prophetic event in the timeline of the end times is the Second Signpost – the invasion by Iran of the Middle East. We are not told how it will begin or how it will be carried out, but God has shown us in His word that the great invasion by Iran is nevertheless coming. And it is next in the timeline.

This is why we watch the news events in the Middle East. We don’t watch events wondering what is happening like other prophecy students who do not know the Signposts. No, we watch the Middle East headlines for convergence on the major events called out in the Bible by the Signpost interpretation, which are the events leading to Christ’s coming.

We watched Islamic State become an enemy of Iran to the west. We watched events to the south of Iran, seeing how Saudi Arabia was crossing paths and words with Iran. We saw Russia form a barrier to the west for Iran so Iran could act in the way it wanted with no interference.

Now, we may be witnessing the triggering event. This past week, the Saudi government has announced that Saudi troops working with troops from other nations such as Egypt would be going into Syria. And though the Saudis talk about fighting IS, they also talk about removing Assad. Removing Assad of course would cut off Iran’s access to Lebanon and the Israeli border, and would temporarily stop Iran from controlling Syria.

If Assad was removed this situation would make Iran’s conquests harder and not easier. Russia would depart, and Iran would have to devote more manpower to Syria than it would if Assad was still in power. If Iran is ready for its Second Signpost invasion of the Middle East, then a real threat to Assad being removed might be the trigger for Iran to run out to the west.

This is a time when we need to be more alert than usual. True, the Second Signpost could surprise us and start any day; after all, Iran is the ram in Daniel 8, and one of the things a ram can do is attack and butt with no prior warning. And it is even probable that we have much longer to go before the Second signpost begins.

But with this development of Saudi Arabia and its troops going into Syria, we have a possible trigger presenting itself. We have not seen an organized armed force representing a sovereign Sunni nation potentially striking an important Iranian Shia interest. It could be nothing especially since Saudi ground forces total only 175,000 and so any large commitment by the Saudis is not possible. But we don’t know yet how this story will develop. It is possible the Saudis may use their advanced F15’s to take out Assad; would the Russians just stand by without going to an air war? Keep your eyes open through March and into April. Let’s see what course this new thread takes. As always, God willing, this site will have updates.

In the meantime, pray that God has you right where He wants you. Practice learning from Him and depending on Him. Now. Once the Second Signpost begins it may be hard to stop screaming.

31 replies

Thanks for the update Mark. I was struck by Netanyahu’s comments last week when being asked about his border wall expansion ideas when he said, “We must protect ourselves against wild beasts”
Bibi likely doesn’t understand just how prophetically accurate his quotation was! The wild animals of Daniel 7 & 8 and the beast of Daniel 7, Revelation 13!

Shalom Brother Mark! The saudi army looks pretty in their western designer uniforms but can they fight? they’ll probably turn tail & run at the first sign of danger lol. May the Lord bless you, thanks for the updates.

I knew I was taking a chance as I always told you, Mark, and one of your first posters on your blog; that if Iran didn’t make its move before Obama leaves office that I would have a harder time seeing your signpost interpretation as credible. Now, that I will be putting my condo unit up for sale in March, I dearly hope you are wrong. Ha! I really am praying my home is sold and my money in hand before Iran charges and Obama leaves office next January.

Mark, I also found the escalation by Saudi Arabia quite surprising and interesting. The potential head to head combat involving Saudi and Iranian troops in Syria may give Iran an “excuse” to head-butt south.

Joe, although Bibi wouldn’t be aware of the Beast of Revelation, I wouldn’t be surprised if his reference was biblical. In the Greek Septuagint the beasts are referred to as THERION or “wild beasts.” Bibi may know this.

Thanks, François-Xavier; and blessings to you too.
Depending on who you listen to it may be getting worse or it may be getting better. Snyder tends to exaggerate things. I tried to tell him about the Signposts in the last few years. He brushed it aside. I do find this quote interesting though from your linked article:
“Like I said yesterday, I don’t think that I have ever seen a scenario which was more likely to lead to World War III than the one that we are watching play out right now.”
Well, Mr. Snyder, this is because we never seen the Middle East so close to the Second Signpost and the end of the age.

I’m not convinced the first signpost (the rider of the white horse and first seal opened) has occurred through Iraq and Saddam. There is no reliable evidence.

But this recent activity by opponent forces over Syria is the closest opportunity for Damascus to end in a ruinous heap. It could happen so quickly that WWIII would have no time to materialize, yet all of the key players are involved for prophecy. Since the USA and Israel are not mentioned or alluded to, they are non involved entities which makes sense if there is no world war. Furthermore, since the AC is also the prophetical Assyrian, the result of the destruction of Damascus could lead to the covenant with the many by the unknown AC. Jesus said watch, and look for the signs that he gave on the Mount of Olives.

If the first horseman of Rev. is the AC, then it cannot apply to Iraq and Hussein. He is sent conquering and to conquer. Who conquered Iraq, and since then has conquered others? No person or kingdom.

Surely if the Saudis and her Allies go on the offensive into Syria. They will be leaving themselves in a vulnerable position to be attacked by Iran who could sieze the initiative. They could possibly be playing right into Iran’s hand..Just a passing observation.

Kensme,
There is actually plenty of evidence that the first horseman was fulfilled by Saddam. I lay out the case in chapter 9 of the book. The USA’s actions are mentioned in Scripture – it provided the force that raised the lion and changed its mind.

Mr. Davidson,
Jesus said the AC will be revealed at the start of the Great Tribulation and midway through the 70th week of Daniel..(paraphrased). Daniel says the AC will make a covenant with the many at the start of the week and break it mid week. Jesus calls this period part of the beginning of sorrows. Therefore, no one will know for certain who the AC is until the mid week of Daniel. If the AC is the first horseman of the Rev. and appears when the first seal is open by Jesus, this has to be the start of the Great Tribulation, at the mid week of Daniel. The second seal is the Red horse of War and persecution– like we have not seen since the beginning of creation, nor will we see again. The Great Tribulation is completely the result of AC activities, which Jesus says, like none before or afterwards. When the white horse rider is sent conquering and to conquer, it will be like no one before or afterwards. Neither Hitler, Alexander, Nimrod, Caligula Caesar, Genghis Khan, and particularly Saddam Hussein will hold a candle to the rider on the white horse. I disagree with your case in Chapter 9. Furthermore, if the first signpost is the white horse, then the second must be the violently, wicked, and hostile red horse that immediately follows, almost accompanying the white horse.. Conquer and conquering is through war. One horse logically follows the other.

Kensme,
Jesus, the Word, said through Paul in 2 Thess that the man of lawlessness will be revealed when he sits in the Temple. The Antichrist, the Beast will be revealed. But…
The leader of the northwest sector of the great future Sunni confederacy nation will be revealed during the Fourth Signpost. The Caliph and then Mahdi will be revealed toward the end of the Fourth Signpost. Daniel 9:26-27 says the prince to come will confirm a covenant with many, further revealing both the Mahdi and the man to be Antichrist. Then the AC will be revealed halfway through the Tribulation in the Temple. All of these are the same man. The man as AC will be revealed as in 2 Thess.
One problem we all have/had is being in love with our theology. Whether preterism, roman antichristism, or the various notions we’ve come to accept and embrace, they all must be held suspect.
And no, the beginning of sorrows is in Matthew 24:4-8, prior to the start of the Tribulation. The image of who the first horseman is over-hyped. You also make a big assumption – who says the red horse has to immediately follow the first horse? The Bible says no such thing. On the other hand, if there is a gap of 15 years or so, what is that time in the 2,000-year span of the “end times” and the “last hour” in 1 John? “Immediately”?

Mark,
The Caliph and Mahdi are not found anywhere in Scripture, the Word of God. To use the beliefs of Islam to support your theory is a new theology. By doing so you are equating the word of Mohammad with the Word of God in its prophetical importance. You also make a big assumption –who says the son of perdition will be revealed at the covenant with the many. Daniel says the prince will make a covenant will the many. But Jesus says he is not revealed until he sets up the abomination spoken of by Daniel. He warns believers, when you see the abomination that makes desolate spoken of by Daniel the prophet…. Why wouldn’t Jesus have said when you see the prince has made the covenant with the many? The man of lawlessness is revealed at the beginning of the Great Tribulation, mid week as per Daniel. Lawlessness causes military aggression against nations, which brings war, which follows with destruction and pestilence, which ends in plaques and death. These are the four horseman. The end product being Desolation. Based on my study and understanding, the white horse rider is released at mid week, at the start of the tribulation of antichrist, who is empowered by God to fulfill his destiny with the opening of the first seal. Finally, where does it say the AC will be a muslim? The prophets say Assyrian? Assyrian is not a religion or belief system.

Kensme,
My work and the signpost theory of interpretation are simply drawn on the simplest reading of scripture, using actual documented history to shine a light on certain passages so they can be understood properly in their context. For instance, real history (not made up fairy tale “history”), when drawn upon to understand Daniel 2:40, completely demolishes any notion of a roman antichrist or a revived Rome in that text. The iron leg empire must be Islam. It is the only candidate. Did you read carefully Appendix A in the back of the book? It shows how Daniel 2:40 came to generate a make-believe Rome in the eyes of the “learned”.
Likewise, real history shows us who are the people of the prince in Daniel 9:26. Anyone who thinks the AC will be roman or European is not looking at real world history.
And the little horn of both Daniel 8 and 11 has a career of sorts (in Scripture) prior to the Tribulation. It will be a real person, living in this real world. And in this real world any upcoming AC will have a title, a position, etc.
I have heard many say that an Islamic antichrist is unbiblical. Isn’t that interesting? The Bible doesn’t “say” one way or another (though the Amplified in Dan 2:40 has made the leap and called it Rome), but real world history is the witness and shows how the Bible points to an Islamic antichrist. I use only the Bible first and real history second for context. I don’t use Islamic “scripture” so please be careful where your accusations go.
It seems with your opposition to so many points of this theory you would have to be a supporter of a theory like a roman antichrist. Is this the case? Are you a supporter of the roman antichrist theory? When I first discovered this I had to spend a few months getting over being offended.
People need to stop putting so much weight behind theologians’ guesses over the last 18 centuries, of what scripture sealed until the end times means.
I hope you will take the time with a soft heart to honestly examine these passages and real world history. Forget about the first horseman for now – examine Daniel 2:40 and honestly ask yourself how can the iron leg empire honestly be talking about Rome? Until that is resolved the rest of signpost theory will not work for you.
Blessings

Mark,
I am not a proponent of any theory, even the Roman AC theory. Satan is the father of lies, the master deceiver. He knows the bible and prophecy better than any human. Even John and Daniel didn’t understand what they eyewitnessed, not merely witnessed. So the antichrist will be whatever he will be. For certain he will be from the geographical area of ancient Assyria. The bible says so…which means truth. The bible doesn’t say muslim or catholic or jew; Roman, American, Arab, or Egyptian. Just as Eve did not recognize Satan when she met him yet trusted his words, we will not recognize the AC when we meet him yet trust his words and agree to his covenant. Then the Man of Lawlessness will reveal himself and break the covenant at the very place that God established his covenant with Abraham…the Holy Place. This is the most important time to recognize as believers and Jews, because he is coming after us to persecute and slaughter us. “Pray that you may endure to the end”. The end of the tribulation. We should be announcing to all believers when we are absolutely sure of who the AC is. Not speculative theory and distraction. Around the time of his revealing a great celestial disturbance will occur which causes earthquakes etc. Fear will be the first emotion by all people. The mark of the beast will look like a life preserver to those lost in the sea of humanity. We have to reassure believers at that time of the hope and salvation of Jesus.

Kensme,
And so that is one of the purposes of signpost theory – to announce, to show, the man who would be antichrist, once he begins to act the role of little horn in Daniel 7 and 8. But perhaps the greatest reason for signpost theory is if there is fulfillment where Iran invades the Middle East and the world economy goes into meltdown, that we remember Jesus’ own call to us to stop screaming, settle down, and preach the Gospel in these end times.

It is necessary that the church body wrestle and do our best to understand biblical prophecy for we are commanded by the LORD to watch and pray for our redemption. The modern church as a whole has basically failed to do this causing spiritual sleep as the parable of the ten virgins indicates. There is great danger for the church if we just wait till some prophetic event happens as say, “Oh, that is what it was.” Too little; too late. We have been caught unaware and will be shut out because we were not ready. It is important to examine all prophetic theories and a theory is verified as biblical truth when the event stated comes to pass in reality. We know it because God will not just spring it on us out of the blue. He gives us clues or signs to show that a prophetic event is about to take place. Then as we watch and pray for guidance from the Holy
Spirit we become ready. This is, in my mind, what Jesus intended the church do when he commanded her to watch and pray.

Now, I don’t ascribe to every aspect of Mark’s sign post theory. But I do believe that he is correct regarding the aspect of Daniel chapter 8 which appears to be headed for fulfillment in the future. Why? Because the clues or signs (world events) are headed in that direction because I’m reading prophetic scripture, watching and praying as God commanded. But time will tell.

Consider Revelations 17 v 10
“And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and ONE IS, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.

And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition”.(KJV)

The seven kings correspond with the image in Daniel 2. At the time John wrote Revelations, Islam did not exist. The “one is” can only refer to Rome as that was the world power (dominated Israel which is key) at the time.

You may ask why does Daniel have 5 kingdoms and John 7 kingdoms? The answer is quite simple. Daniel’s list includes those who have dominated the people AND the land of Israel while John’s list is restricted to those who have dominated the people of Israel alone. This is why Egypt (who never took the land of Israel) and Assyria (who conquered only Northern Israel) are left out of the Daniel’s list…otherwise it is the same list.

Consider also Zechariah 1 v 18-21
“Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and behold FOUR HORNS.

And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What be these? And he answered me, These are the HORNS WHICH HAVE SCATTERED JUDAH, ISRAEL AND JERUSALEM.

And the Lord shewed me four carpenters.

Then said I, What come these to do? And he spake, saying, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, so that no man did lift up his head: but these are come to fray them, to cast out THE HORNS OF THE GENTILES, which lifted up their horn over the land of Judah to scatter it”.(KJV)

Here again you see the same list, only this time we are provided with criteria for making the list.

Therefore the 4th on Daniel’s list is the same as the 6th of John’s list in Revelations (this is because only the first two on John’s list are not on Daniel’s list for obvious reasons). We can say from the scriptures above that Rome is the legs of iron. Furthermore remember the the land of Israel had been made desolate by Rome with it’s people scattered to 4 corners of earth in 70AD, long before Islam was even born. Therefore Islam could not fulfill the criteria for making the list anyway.

Curtis,
I talk about all this in my book. Rev 12 and the seven-headed dragon is the reference. The five who passed were Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia and Greece. The one who “is” at John’s time was Rome. The one coming was Islam. All seven kingdoms’ modern equivalents are accounted for in the seven heads among the Dan 7 beasts and the Rev 13/17 beast.
(Egypt may have not taken the land of Israel – it actually did prior to the Exodus) but it did try to destroy Messiah and Israel by throwing the male babies into the Nile. Just as bad if not worse than what Nebuchadnezzar did.
And no, the iron legs can only be Islam. The text of Daniel 2:40 shows us this. The kingdoms of Egypt, Assyria, Rome (the eastern half) and Greece are all contained in the bronze belly and thighs. Did you know that Easter Rome persecuted the Jews far longer than western Rome? Its all in the book. If you are wondering how can those four kingdoms be in the bronze part of the statue, it will be coming out soon in my next book. But all even heads of the beasts are in the statue – even Islam. And if disagree with me about Daniel 2:40 and my book hasn’t convinced you, try reading Mideast Beast by Joel Richardson.

Mark is correct. Read the Appendix A of his book on this blog for FREE. Mark is meticulous regarding the chronology on this issue of Daniel 2:40. Joel Richardson’s book, “Mideast Beast” is fast becoming the definitive word on this issue of Daniel’s statute as a settled subject. Your posts here convince no one and you are on a sinking ship that I suggest you get off of fast!

Why do you insist on posting irrelevant statements when no one is listening? You are talking to an empty room.

I do not threaten anyone and forgive me if I have inadvertently caused offense…I only put down ideas based on what I believe to be the Word of God. The Word of God is my sole reference point and from where I evaluate all theories I come across. I do not expect everyone to agree with me but I do like to stimulate debate so we all learn from each other.

Let us use the scripture as our guide shall we? We know that God is infallible but men are not. I believe we are agreed the 6 Heads are all accounted for. That leaves the 7th Head which is the same as the 5th kingdom in Daniel 2.

Revelations 17 v10
“And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space”.

Fortunately the scriptures give us the characteristics of the 7th Head & 5th Kingdom

1) It is sub-divided into 10 Kingdoms (Rev 17v12, Daniel 2v42)
2) It hands power to the anti-Christ (Rev 17v13)
3) It’s leaders see the return of our Lord (Rev 17v14, Daniel 2v44)

We see from above that 7th Head in Revelations 17 is exactly the same as the 5th Kingdom in Daniel 2. This means that the preceding kingdom in Revelations 17 and Daniel 2 are the same as well (as the Bible cannot contradict itself). In other words, the 6th Head of Revelations 17 is EXACTLY THE SAME as the 4th kingdom in Daniel 2. Revelations 17 unequivocally points to Rome as the 6th Head…therefore Rome is the 4th Kingdom and the legs of iron in Daniel 2 not Islam.

The Jews were destroyed as a people in 70AD and became parts of other nations until 1948. Israel did not exist at the time Egypt invaded the land.

Curtis,
I have explained all this in detail in my book. And yes I do use the Scripture as the foundation. But you need history to shine a light on scripture, obviously (e.g. anyone who did not know their recent history in AD 40 would not agree that Psalm 22 was fulfilled by Christ himself). And, no, the seventh head of the beasts is not the fifth kingdom of the statue. The seventh head’s ten horns are the fourth beast’s ten horns, are the ten toes.
You do have one thing right – the 6th head of Rev 17 is the legs of iron, but it isn’t Rome. You need to work out for yourself which empire fulfilled Daniel 2:40 and broke into pieces and pulverized Persia. (And investigate what the text is truly telling you – what is “to pulverize” and how does it apply to an empire?) Read history or read chapter 1 of my book.
But at this point we will have to agree to disagree. Anyone who thinks Rome pulverized Persia is ignorant of history in my opinion.

I have read these but I find them not in alignment with the scriptures. You say that the 7th head is not 5th kingdom? Did you read the scriptures I pointed you to?

Daniel 2 v 44 (5th kingdom)
” And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay”.(KJV)

Revelations 17 v 12-13 (7th Head)
“And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast

These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast”.

Daniel 2 v 44 (5th Kingdom)
“And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people…”

Daniel 17 v 14 (7th Head)
“These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings…”

I think there is no question that 7th head of Revelations is the same as the 5th kingdom in Daniel

You make a mistake in basing your theory almost entirely on which empire consumed the preceding empire. For example… Islam did not consume the Roman Empire in its entirety. It consumed the Eastern half (Byzantine Empire) but it failed to defeat the western half when it was stopped in its tracks by Charles Martel (King of the Franks) in the Battle of Tours AD732. So Islam itself fails your theory on this point. The western empire carried on till the early 1800s when it was dismantled by Napoleon Bonaparte

Note that there is no 8th head. AC is the 8th king ruling the kingdom of the 7th head. I rest my case.

Curtis,
You misunderstand me – I said the ten horns of the fourth beast (not its head, i.e. a fine point) and the ten toes of the statue are the same thing, i.e. ten kings ruling with AC.
And, no, I do not base the empires on which consumed the next. As far as Rome goes, you are not looking at it correctly. Rome was split into two and the western half fell and ended in AD 476. The barbarian tribes making up the new nations in the west intermarried with the locals, but they are not “Rome.” Rome, however, did continue in the east. The people living in the eastern Roman Empire called themselves Roman as did the Muslims also. When the Seljuk Turks were bearing down on the eastern roman empire, several small mercenary states started on the border with Rome – one of them even named itself the Rum Sultanate, after Rome. Rome ended in AD 1453 when Constantinople fell to the Ottomans. I address this topic completely in my book in pp. 109-111 (TN edition, pp. 113-115). The phrase “byzantine empire” was not coined until a century or so after the empire fell – don’t be fooled – it was Rome all the way to the end. Islam took away half of the eastern roman empire’s land in the AD 600s and for 800 years after that chipped away at it until 1453.
From what I can gather from your last couple of comments you are not getting Daniel 2:40. Look carefully at the text. It says that Just as iron breaks up the other metals (gold, silver, bronze), so the iron empire will break up the others. Do you see that reading/thread? What do you think it means to crush (“deqaq”, strong’s #1855 -to be shattered, fall to pieces, pulverized)? You cannot ignore this text. People can make other meanings out of the words, but they cannot ignore it. What does it mean for the silver chest/Persia to be pulverized? How would Persia/Persian Empire be pulverized in history? I talk about all this in pp. 33-46 of my book.
I have found that people cannot understand or see the Signpost interpretation until you have taken every word, phrase of every verse and addressed it to see what it means – from Daniel 2:40, 9:26 and chapters 7 and 8 particularly 8:17,19. I have had many come to me and say Daniel 2:40 is clearly talking about Rome, and yet they won’t talk the specifics of the verse. In my Appendix A, see how Calvin explained it. At least he attempted an argument about it – its incorrect and I explain why – but at least he attempted to parse it out.
Lastly, the signposts themselves really cannot be seen and appreciated until the roman antichrist thing is properly dealt with in one’s mind.

I can not add any more to the discussion than Mark’s last post to you, Curtis. It is convincingly clear. Mark and Joel Richardson in “Mideast Beast” and Mark’s book, “Daniel Revisited” deal directly with this long-held misconception by many within the church regarding Rome. Until you you can come to terms with the wrong assumption made long ago, you will never understand the basic tenants of biblical prophecy. And you just build from there any theory that is completely misguided. It is just the way it is and your doing yourself a disservice. Please reconsider.

You are right that the ten horns of the beast and the ten toes of statue are same thing. My point is this- the 10 horns and 10 toes (Daniel) collectively form the 7th head of the beast in Revelations 17.

Consider Revelations 17 v 10-11
“And there are seven kings: FIVE ARE FALLEN, AND ONE IS, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.

And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition”.(KJV)

At the time John was writing 5 of the heads had already fallen and one was (Rome), with final one still to come. Islam was not yet born at the time John was writing Revelations so it could not be part of the list of 6.

Now we are left with the 7th (because though AC is the 8th king not head…he is ruling the empire of the 7th head as you have rightly pointed out). Let us examine a crucial characteristic of the 7th kingdom

Consider Daniel 2 v 43
“And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: BUT THEY SHALL NOT CLEAVE ONE TO ANOTHER, even as iron is not mixed with clay”.(KJV)

The Scriptures tell us that the ten kingdoms have no unifying organic characteristic. I may be wrong (only God is always right) but I think this verse is at variance with your Sunni Confederacy theory as Sunni Islam would be a strong unifying factor.

I believe your signpost is correct for the most part and I always recommend it whenever the opportunity arises. However on issue of Islam in the legs of iron and 7th head, I think we will have a friendly disagreement.

Curtis,
Yes we will have to agree to disagree. I’ve spent as much time as I can with Daniel 2:40 and Islam as the iron legs. The seventh head in Rev 17 is historical Islam, as is the iron legs. God bless.